How Can TOGAF Help In Extending Enterprise Architecture

An organization needs to have proper planning in relation to the design and overall functionality, for the sake of attaining specified objectives and satisfaction of the customer. The proper definition of the practices aimed at conducting design, analysis, implementation and planning of the enterprise, with an all rounded approach is what, we call ‘Enterprise Architecture, EA’. It helps in enhancing the progress in a business, together with the implementation of relevant strategies.

The incorporation of The Open Group Architecture Framework, TOGAF, and other methodologies like the Rational Unified Process, RUP of IBM, are meant to help in achieving the best enterprise architecture.

Introduction

TOGAF is a framework that is used for the development of enterprise architecture, using different strategies. It was originally developed by the Open Group Consortium members, and it used to have technical architectures, though the domains for enterprise architectures have already been introduced. It is now a very vital approach that is used to develop the necessary strategies for the EA development.

Components of The Open Group Architecture Framework

The ADM

The most common component of TOGAF is the Architecture Development Method, ADM. The ADM is basically the approach used for organization of specified tailoring and implementation of enterprise architecture.

The Enterprise Continuum

The TOGAF Enterprise Continuum is a collection of resources that act as components and elements of the implementation and tailoring of the enterprise architecture. Such resources pooled are like solution patterns, models, and specific assets. The Enterprise Continuum is equivalent to a reference source for the stakeholders and specialists of enterprise architecture.

Other than the Enterprise Continuum and ADM,TOGAF helps to provide extra references and resources that relate to the methods, solutions and techniques necessary for the planning and instigation of EA.

Application of TOGAF and Other Methodologies

It is required that The Open Group Architecture Framework should be integrated with a different methodology in the modern business environment.

TOGAF with the Enterprise Unified Process, EUP

EUP is an approach that has been introduced to help extend the development of EA. EUP also ushered in new methodologies, which includes the Enterprise Architecture discipline. When EUP is combined with TOGAF, it helps to cover a wider approach of the RUP in an enterprise. The approaches of EUP and TOGAF are different, but they all help in the implementation of EA.

TOGAF with RUP

Even though TOGAF does not share a common scope with RUP, the integration will help to come up with a better EA. The major difference between the two approaches is that RUP focuses on the technology architecture, while TOGAF focuses on the business architecture.

With the RUP, an organization is able to collect the business prerequisites, which help to design and deploy system that is based on a software. On the other hand, TOGAF values the IT Service management, since it helps an organization to discover their vision.

The implementation process of TOGAF intersects with RUP with the aim of achieving the EA development. The two intersects when blueprints of architecture, the application model, top quality implementation plan, and business architecture are transferred to the execution team. It will only be considered as a complete handover if both the sides come to an agreement on the implementation scope.

The Enterprise Architecture Scope

The activities of the enterprise architecture normally commence prior to commencement of project driven solutions. EA will then continue going in the entire enterprise lifespan. Since it is a continuous process, EA development has one entry point that concurs with the invention of a practice. The entry point also concurs with several process involvements that are dispersed throughout the timeline of the enterprise architecture.

There are some frameworks of the EA that introduce iterations and cycles that should go along with the key stages in the business development of an organization. In the frameworks of the EA, a cycle will entail several stages that have a number of feeds into the activities of EA. This mostly happens in the first stage of the cycle.

Possible Hurdles of TOGAF Implementation

This approach is a framework, and not necessarily an end-to-end approach. For that, it needs the specific tailoring of an organization. The customization ignores the business model knowledge and the steady methodological knowledge. It could be a challenge to use the new version of TOGAF, in relation to its complexity.

It could also be difficult to find a buy-in from a stakeholder, which will let you use The Open Group Architecture Framework. Though Framework received a number of enhancements, it is not as comprehensive as other approaches. This is mostly in technology and business connection. For instance, Framework does not include approaches such as the rational Method Composer. And it also does not have a detailed publication library.

So Will It Help In Enterprise Architecture?

It is important for an organization to decide if it will be implemented as enterprise architecture or not. The organization should resolve if it will rely on TOGAF for the implementation of the EA. The Framework is considered to be the next big tool for development and implementation of enterprise architecture. Typically, organizations that use the methodologies of the solution lifecycle successfully and uniformly will have a better progress in the development of EA. The enterprise architecture must not be forced into an organization by simply making judgments. The need of the EA should come out naturally from the comprehension of the existing complexities that enclose the business management. The structure of the business must also move along with the EA, for the sake of it fitting naturally.

The Open Group Architecture Framework is a great tool to use for the implementation of enterprise architecture, along with the IT service management. However, prior to using the approach, it is always advised to give it a trial. Also, the organization must fully understand TOGAF, in relation to the infrastructure of their business.

About the Author

Eshna is a writer at Simplilearn. She has done Masters in Journalism and Mass Communication and is a Gold Medalist in the same. A voracious reader, she has penned several articles in leading national newspapers like TOI, HT and The Telegraph. She loves traveling and photography.